DOLE orders work stoppage on six ferries of Atienza Interisland Ferries, operator of MV June Aster

DOLE orders work stoppage on six ferries of Atienza Interisland Ferries, operator of MV June Aster

📌 On Monday, October 19, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that it had issued work stoppage orders for six other vessels operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries, the company behind the passenger ferry MV June Aster, which caught fire off the coast of Coron, Palawan on Wednesday, September 9, killing 77 people. The ships are docked at the Navotas fishport in Metro Manila.

■ What happened
· Vessels affected: MV September Tulips, MV December Poinsettia, MV October Lavender, MV Star San Carlos, MV May Lilies, and MV November Cattleya.
· The DOLE issued the orders after a hearing on October 8 and a vessel inspection on October 10.
· According to reports, the inspections found no occupational safety and health program, no emergency response plan, no safety committee, and no trained safety officer. Protective equipment was insufficient, and more than 600,000 pesos in labor-related unpaid wages, including overtime and holiday pay, was found (confirmed at one site).

■ Investigation and current status
· Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the duration of the orders depends on whether the company meets the required standards.
· Secretary Tolentino said company employees still have the right to receive wages during the work stoppage period.
· The MV June Aster fire killed 77 people. According to the Philippine Coast Guard's count as of October 13, 43 survived and 8 remain missing.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· If you have booked passage with this company, check in advance whether its ferries are operating.
· When boarding a ferry, first check the location of life jackets and emergency exit routes.

■ Sources
The Manila Times (10/19), Daily Tribune (10/19, violations confirmed at one site)

■ Photos
· 1. Hull of the MV June Aster, damaged by the September fire — The Manila Times
· 2. Forensic team investigating the charred deck of the MV June Aster — Daily Tribune